Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with producing and selling counterfeit national registration cards, labour registration cards, and residential/police recommendation letters in Yangon’s Hlinethaya Township. Authorities seized evidence during the operation.
In Shan State (South), Taunggyi Township, law enforcement officers apprehended a suspect, Ma May Thu Khine, on January 8 at 11:00 AM, on Bogyoke Street, with three counterfeit national ID cards. She was charged under Sections 420/468 of the Penal Code at Ayethaya Township police station. Further investigations revealed links to other suspects involved in the counterfeit document trade.
That evening, authorities arrested Phyu Thwe Htwe from Hlinethaya (West) Township, who had supplied the counterfeit ID cards to May Thu Khine. Following her confession, it was discovered that the documents were purchased through a middleman identified as Tet Pu (under investigation).
On January 9, during a midday operation, another suspect, Han Myint Zaw (alias Pyaung Lay), was arrested in Hlinethaya (East) Township while transporting a counterfeit ID card on a motorcycle. He revealed that the counterfeit cards were sourced from Zin Lin (alias Lin Lin) of Hlinethaya (West). Later that afternoon, Zin Lin was arrested with substantial evidence, including 100 blank counterfeit ID cards, eight completed counterfeit IDs, an automatic numbering machine, various rubber stamps, 2,500 blank labor registration cards, and other related equipment.
Zin Lin’s confession led to the arrest of three more individuals—Myint Myat Kyi (alias Wa Tot), Sandar Oo, and Soe Min Oo (alias Ka Tone)—on January 9. They were caught in possession of counterfeit recommendation letters and equipment used to produce such documents. Additionally, San Maw Lwin, a document photocopy shop owner, was arrested with 2,500 blank police recommendation forms, 80 blank residential recommendation forms, computers, printers, and scanners.
Authorities also investigated links to two key suspects, Jimmy Thaung and Pyae Thein Htike (both under investigation), identified as major suppliers of counterfeit documents. Although they could not be located, Pyae Thein Htike’s sister, Moe Moe, was arrested with 250 rubber stamps and other equipment used to produce counterfeit documents.
Investigations revealed that the counterfeit documents, including ID cards and labour registration cards, were sold for 30,000 MMK each, facilitated by intermediaries like Tet Pu. The arrested individuals, including Zin Lin and eight others, are now facing legal action, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
